HOSTELS

Hostelsprovide budget-oriented, sociableaccommodationwhere guests can rent abed, usually abunk bed, in adormitoryand share a bathroom, lounge and sometimes a kitchen.

Rooms can be mixed or single-sex, although private rooms may also be available.

Hostels are generally cheaper for both the operator and the occupants; many hostels have long-term residents whom they employ as desk clerks or housekeeping staff in exchange for free accommodation.

In a few countries, such as theUK,Ireland,IndiaandAustralia, the word hostel sometimes also refers to establishments providing longer-term accommodation(often to specific classes such asnurses,drug addicts, or courtdefendantsonbail) where the hostels are sometimes run byHousing Associationsandcharities.

In other parts of the world, the word hostel mainly refers to properties offering shared accommodation totravellersorbackpackers.

Within the "traveller" category, another distinction can be drawn between hostels that are members ofHostelling International(HI), a UK-based, non-profit organization encouraging outdoor activities and cultural exchange for the young (formerly the IYHA), and independently operated hostels.